Durock Blue Lotus vs. Akko V3 Piano Pro
An in-depth look at the Durock Blue Lotus and the Akko V3 Piano Pro switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to choosing between mechanical keyboard switches, the Durock Blue Lotus and the Akko V3 Piano Pro stand out for their unique characteristics. The Blue Lotus switch from Durock is a tactile switch that offers a striking blend of tactile intensity and swift responsiveness, making it ideal for those who prefer a marked tactile feel while typing. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro is a linear switch known for its snappy sound signature and smooth actuation, providing a pleasing tactile experience with every keystroke. Both switches offer their own set of advantages, such as the vibrant RGB illumination of the Blue Lotus and the crisp quality of the Piano Pro. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
55g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
65g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.90 mm
Total travel
3.70 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Modified PC & UPE Blend
Top housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Gold-plated long spring
Spring
20mm spring
Housing materials
Both the Durock Blue Lotus and the Akko V3 Piano Pro utilize nylon as a housing material, known for its ability to produce a deeper and fuller sound profile when typing. However, the Blue Lotus also incorporates a modified PC & UPE Blend top housing, giving it a unique and premium feel that sets it apart from the V3 Piano Pro. The combination of materials in the Blue Lotus may offer a different typing experience compared to the V3 Piano Pro, with potentially a more tactile and satisfying feel.
In terms of sound production, the nylon housing of both the Blue Lotus and V3 Piano Pro absorbs more sound than harder plastics, resulting in a duller and rounder sound. This characteristic may appeal to users who prefer a quieter typing experience, as the softer plastic helps dampen the noise produced when typing on these switches. While both switches offer this similar sound profile due to their shared use of nylon, the addition of modified PC & UPE Blend in the Blue Lotus may introduce subtle differences in sound when compared to the V3 Piano Pro.
The split between the bottom and top housings in switches like the Blue Lotus and V3 Piano Pro means that each material brings unique qualities to different aspects of the typing experience. The bottom housing influences the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing has a greater impact on the sound when releasing a key. This division of responsibilities between the two housing materials results in a more nuanced typing experience, where users can feel and hear the differences in materials with each keystroke.
Weight
The Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a heavier actuation force and bottom out force compared to the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch. The Blue Lotus requires 55 grams of force to actuate a keystroke and 65 grams to bottom out, while the V3 Piano Pro needs 45 grams to actuate and 55 grams to bottom out. This means that the Blue Lotus provides a more substantial typing experience with a stronger push feel, which some users may prefer for a more tactile typing experience. On the other hand, the V3 Piano Pro is lighter in terms of actuation and bottom out force, making it more suitable for longer typing sessions or gaming sessions where a lighter touch is preferred. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on the user's preference for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.7 mm. Both switches fall within the shorter range of travel distances, which is preferred by gamers for faster response times. However, the Blue Lotus offers a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to those who prefer a bit more depth in their key press. Ultimately, both switches provide a relatively short travel distance, offering similar results in terms of responsiveness, with the Blue Lotus being slightly longer than the V3 Piano Pro.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Durock Blue Lotus has an MSRP of $5.60 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Blue Lotus for $4.57.
The Akko V3 Piano Pro has an MSRP of $4.22 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the V3 Piano Pro for $3.10.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The Durock Blue Lotus switch is characterized by a deep, bassy sound profile during key presses, offering a unique auditory experience. In contrast, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is known for its clacky and resonant sound signature, providing a crisp and sharp sound with a higher pitch. Both switches offer distinct sound profiles that cater to different preferences, with the Blue Lotus leaning towards a deeper tone and the V3 Piano Pro emphasizing a brighter and percussive sound.
In terms of feel, the Blue Lotus switch is lauded for its accented tactility, providing a medium level of tactile feedback without being overwhelming. The switch also offers a snappy and stepped feel, enhancing the typing experience with responsive key presses. On the other hand, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch is described as bouncy, creamy, polished, and silky, offering a smooth and buttery typing sensation with enhanced rebound and reduced friction. These qualities contribute to a comfortable and effortless typing experience that caters to users looking for a refined feel.
When considering the subjective qualities of the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, it is evident that they offer distinct experiences in both sound and feel. While the Blue Lotus excels in providing a bassy sound profile and accentuated tactility, the V3 Piano Pro stands out for its clacky sound signature and smooth, polished feel. Ultimately, choosing between these switches will depend on individual preferences for sound, feel, and overall typing experience. If one enjoys a deeper and richer sound with medium tactile feedback, the Blue Lotus would be a suitable choice, whereas those seeking a lively and smooth typing feel with a crisp sound may prefer the Akko V3 Piano Pro. Both switches offer unique characteristics that can enhance the typing experience, providing users with a range of options to cater to their specific preferences.
Conclusion
Ultimately, when deciding between the Durock Blue Lotus tactile switch and the Akko V3 Piano Pro linear switch, your choice will depend on your preference for tactile feedback and sound. If you value a pronounced tactile feel with snappiness in each keystroke, the Durock Blue Lotus switch may be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, if you prefer a smoother actuation with a lively, crisp sound signature, the Akko V3 Piano Pro switch might be more to your liking. Consider your typing style and the sensory experience you seek in a keyboard switch when making your decision. Both switches offer unique qualities that cater to different preferences, so choose the one that aligns best with your personal preferences and typing needs.
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